In the middle of Gran Canaria is a small village called Teror. In the late 1400s, something amazing happened there. An image of the Virgin Mary appeared on a big pine tree. This event made Teror a special and magical place, and people on the island still find it fascinating after 500 years.

The Miraculous Appearance of the Virgin Mary

The story of the Virgin Mary appearing in Teror is full of mystery and wonder. In the late 1400s, Teror was a quiet village in the green forests of Gran Canaria, far from busy places. The air was filled with bird songs and the sound of leaves. In this peaceful place, something amazing happened that changed the village and its people forever.

In 1481, something amazing happened in Teror. People saw the image of the Virgin Mary on top of a tall pine tree in the village square. The sight was extraordinary, and the villagers were in awe of the glowing figure of the Mother of God.

The Tree of Revelation

The big pine tree, which had been standing quietly for years, suddenly became a link between the earth and the divine. Someone placed an image of the Virgin Mary on the tree, and it gave off a strong feeling of holiness. News of this miracle spread quickly, attracting people from all over to see it.

After this amazing event, the people of Gran Canaria felt a shared sense of wonder and respect. The small village of Teror became a place where people traveled to find comfort in the presence of the Virgin Mary. They came on foot, full of devotion and faith.

From Tree to Hermitage

The villagers saw something divine in this event, so they built the Santa María de Teror hermitage to keep the miraculous image safe. The tree, though once grand, eventually wore down from time and weather. But its memory stayed strong as a symbol of the connection between earth and the divine.

When the Virgin Mary appeared on the pine tree, it deeply affected the culture and religion of Gran Canaria. The Virgin of Teror, called “La Morenita” because of her darker skin, became a symbol of hope, kindness, and spiritual comfort. Her image inspired many artists, poets, and musicians to capture her grace and kindness.

Fiestas del Pino

Today, the memory of the Virgin Mary’s appearance in Teror continues with the yearly Fiestas del Pino. This celebration not only remembers the miraculous event but also shows the strong faith of the people of Gran Canaria. When pilgrims and romeros gather under the pine trees, they are reminded of the special link between the earthly and the divine, first shown on that important day in the 15th century.

Dates Fiestas del Pino in Teror in 2024

At the moment of writing, detailed information about the celebration in 2024 is not yet available. This article will be updated once more information and the schedule becomes available.

Fiestas del Pino in Teror in 2023

The municipality of Teror returned last year to celebrate the traditional Fiestas del Pino in honor of the Virgen del Pino. Starting from August 26th, a variety of traditional activities such as concerts and folk dances took place, with the highlight being the “Bajada de la Virgen del Pino” on September 5th. This event culminated in the pilgrimage of the Virgin of the Pine on September 7th, involving bringing down the image of the Virgin from her shrine to partake in the festivities.

The festive program ran from August 25th, with the opening speech by actress Lili Quintana, and concluded at the end of September with the ascent of the Virgin of the Pino to her shrine on September 24th, and the “Rallye” on September 30th. Artists like Marta Sánchez, Olga Cerpa and Mestisay, Víctor Manuel, Sofía Ellar, ‘Mau y Ricky,’ and DJ Ray Castellano graced the Fiestas del Pino last year.

The Teror Town Hall and the Cabildo of Gran Canaria unveiled the extensive event program on July 27th, emphasizing the long-standing collaboration between the Cabildo and the Teror Town Hall in organizing events related to the Fiestas del Pino. The mayor of Teror, Sergio Nuez, anticipated a larger influx of pilgrims due to the festivities coinciding with an extended weekend, potentially attracting around 200,000 people to the Marian Village.

The Fiestas del Pino are considered essential for the island of Gran Canaria, and also in 2023 the Cabildo aimed to maintain their spirit while introducing innovative elements in this edition. The festivities spanned from August 25th to September 30th, offering a rich array of cultural and entertainment activities for all to enjoy.

The Fiestas del Pino in Teror, Gran Canaria, are a long-standing celebration that mixes tradition and devotion with lots of culture and fun. It started with the mysterious appearance of the Virgin Mary’s image on a pine tree, and this event has been loved by Canarians for many years. From the “Bajada de la Virgen” to the lively Romería Ofrenda and various artistic shows, the Fiestas del Pino remain a key event in Gran Canaria, bringing together locals and visitors in a joyful celebration of faith and heritage.